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aka Golden leafed Japanese Maple

A tall and densely branched, vase-shaped maple, with butter-yellow young growth if in a warm, sunny position. The leaves turn to a darker yet still attractive, golden-green as they age later in summer and then turn colourful shades of yellow, orange or red before falling in autumn. Deciduous.

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aka Lemon Bee Balm

The flowers are very pretty in white or pink with purple dots, growing in typical Bergamot fashion. Young leaves can be used in tea or for any gourmet dish, especially fish, where a strong lemon flavour would add interest. An attractive plant that will attract the attention of bees, as well as people, in any herb garden.

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aka Borage or Star flower

Borage is an old herb, known at least since Roman times. It is said that borage gladdens the heart. It can add colour and interest to any garden, and it has value in the kitchen as well. For the avid herb gardener, it's a must.

Japonica hybrid. A hardy, evergreen, fragrant shrub with miniature double anemone-form, fragrant rose-red blooms, with white center petaloids. Tall upright compact habit. Early - late season.

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Cat grass (catgrass) is a name used to describe a number of different types of grass which are popular with cats. It would appear that there are two main species of grass referred to as cat grass. Once the grass is an inch or two long, move to a spot easily accessible to your cat. It is also a good idea to have some growing outdoors in an enclosure if your cat has access to one.

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A useful and attractive perennial with grey/green foliage and pretty sprays of mauve flowers that appear from spring right through to autumn. Useful as an edging for flower beds. Loves a sunny position and a good haircut every now and then. Hardy, evergreen easy to grow if you can keep your cats off it long enough!

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aka Camomile

Chamomile is one of the most popular herbs in the Western world. Chamomile has been used as a medicine for thousands of years; used to calm frayed nerves, to treat stomach problems, to relieve muscle spasms, and to treat skin conditions and mild infections. Chamomile tea aids sleep. Annual.

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Traditional groundcover with bright green feathery foliage and erect stems of small, daisy-like flowers. Charmingly scented and magic to walk on. Chamomile Lawn thrive in full sun, but will tolerate dappled shade. Perennial.

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This variety of Chives is a vigorous grower with good disease resistance. Nice broad leaves that can be chopped up to add to summer salads etc. Will form a good clump in the vege patch or can be grown in a pot. Prefers the sun and good drainage. Perennial.

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aka Garlic Chives

Flat leaves with a mild garlic flavour make these versatile Chives a useful Herb for a variety of dishes. A good substitute for those who find bulb garlic too strong. Plant in a sunny well drained spot. Perennial.

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Comfrey should be termed as a 'super-plant' it can be used as a medicinal herb, tea, vegetable, animal feed and green manure. Tall and wide spreading, it reaches a height of 60 to 90cm. With large, coarse leaves and flowers which are blue or creamy white grow in spikes and bloom all summer. It is easy to grow. Perennial.

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Highly aromatic Herb that is popular for adding a pungent flavour to Chinese, Thai and Mexican cuisine. This variety is very slow to bolt ( hence the name) and can be grown in a pot or the garden. Likes the sun and fertile soil to do well. Annual.

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This hardy and very aromatic, evergreen perennial has upright growth habit, narrow, long silver leaves and yellow flower clusters. It grows up to 60cm (24") high and spreads to 60cm (24") wide.

The leaves of this great structured plant bear a distinct curry aroma, making it excellent for all kinds of cooking and seasoning.

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aka Pink Daphne or Daphne odora

Pink Daphne. The popular upright Daphne having clusters of white to pink blooms with typical heady fragrance that Daphne is renowned for. Attractive dark green foliage that offsets the flowers. Suits a dappled light spot. Evergreen. H1m.

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This culinary herb is particularly popular for adding flavour to fish dishes and pickles. Both the foliage and seeds can be used. The foliage has a mild aniseed flavour. Grow in a sunny spot with nice humus rich soil. Annual.

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aka Fennel

A gourmet bulb Fennel with big white bulbs that are not too fibrous and have a delicious, mild, aniseed flavour. The bulb can be eaten raw or cooked and the foliage can be finely chopped and used as a garnish. Likes the sun and fertile, well drained soil. Perennial.

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aka Koromiko

Delightful little native Hebe that is a good "doer". Small close-set leaves that are dark green above and paler beneath. The pale lavender flowers smother the bush from mid to late spring and gradually fade to white as they mature. Prefers a sunny well drained position. Evergreen.

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Native. Small, dark green leaves make this a lovely dense, compact Hebe perfect for a natural, low maintenance hedge/border. Lavender flower spikes fade to white as they mature enhance the bush from late winter through to summer. Prefers full sun. water in dry summer months. Evergreen

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aka French Lavender

Lavandula. French Lavender. A vigorous lavender that is fabulous for hedging. Aromatic grey-green, 'toothed' foliage and long stems of fragrant flowers which are produced almost all year around. Trim regularly to keep tidy. Loves full sun and a well drained position. Evergreen.

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Lemon balm loses much of its flavor when dried, so it is a seasonal delight to be enjoyed while the weather is mild and the plant is green. However, enough of the fragrance remains when this herb is dried to make it a delightful addition to potpourri.

Like many other herbs, lemon balm can lose its flavor in cooking, so add it near the end of the cooking process. The fresh lemon fragrance and flavor go nicely with both chicken and fish dishes, as well as fruit and fruit juice drinks. Create your own herbal tea by cutting a few stems of lemon balm (plus any other appealing herbs), putting them in a pitcher, pour boiling water over them, and allow them to steep for about 15 minutes. Enjoy your tea hot or over ice.

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aka Citronella grass

Fragrant swaying grass that will add texture and movement as well as contrast among more compact plants. Used in cooking and for making tea. Ideal container plant or in a border or garden bed.

The oil is antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral. Also used as an antidepressant, to soothe aches and pains, to relieve stress. If drunk before bed will induce sleep. Effective for headaches and respiratory problems. Pour boiling water over sliced leaves and steep for 5 minutes for Lemongrass tea. Sweeten as desired. Can be dried for tea, potpourri or cooking.

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aka Honey Reed

This tough little Aussie is a great plant for mass planting in difficult spots. Tolerant of poor soil and coastal conditions, sun or part shade. The deep green narrow strap like leaves quickly form a clump. Small, yellow, fragrant flowers in spring. Evergreen. PVR LM300.

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aka Fringe Flower

Well you will be 'plum delighted' with this fabulous foliage shrub that looks good all year round. The neat oval leaves are a rich bronze maroon shade, in spring shaggy bright pink flowers start to appear and decorate the somewhat pendulous branches. Grow in the sun or part shade. Evergreen.

AKA 'The Fringe Flower' Loropetalum is in the same family as 'Witch Hazel'. It has quite a broad habit but responds well to trimming if you wish the shrub to have a more rounded shape.

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aka Lovage

This is a tall addition to the garden and often placed at the back of the border. It is a good idea to start a new plant every few years. Lovage prefers a rich soil that retains moisture well. It likes full sun in cool climates or partial shade where summers are very hot.

Leaves and stems used as a savoury flavouring in salads, soups, stews etc, imparting a yeasty/celery flavour.

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Originating from Acorn Bank, the National Trust garden in Cumbria, this golden marjoram has very long, pointed leaves. To achieve the full golden colour of this herb, plant it in semi shade. Full sun can produce pale leaves

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Country Cream is a hardy, bushy perennial, which although aromatic and can be used in Italian, Greek, Mexican dishes, is mostly used for ornamental purposes. Loves a sunny spot in rich well drained soil. It forms a dense mat and a small pink flower. Trim back regularly to maintain shape and vigour.

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aka Knotted marjoram

Sweet marjoram is widely used as a flavouring for salad dressings, vegetables, legumes and oils. The flavour resembles a blend of thyme, rosemary and sage. Perennial herb.

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Sweet Marjoram is a rich, sweet tasting herb, that is used interchangeably with oregano. It has tender leaves and stems, grows well just about anywhere, and is a great kitchen windowsill garden choice. A tender plant. Consider your marjoram to be an annual.

Cut back juicy stems and leaves as they grow. Sweet marjoram will provide you with multiple cuttings in one season. Cut the soft stems and leaves and add at the end of the cooking time. Use a small amount to begin with. Marjoram boasts a more powerful flavor than the same amount of oregano.

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aka Mint Common

There are several forms of Garden Mint, the true variety being of bold, upright growth, with fairly large and broad leaves, pointed and sharply serrated (or toothed) at the edges and of a rich, bright, green colour. Cut back in Autumn for new winter growth.

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A hardy perennial that is the Basil you have when you don’t have any Basil. Spreads easily so container planting may be a good option.

Add late in the cooking as the mint aroma fades quickly. Finely chop leaves and use them in salad dressings, marinades and sauces. Add to salads and vegetables for an exotic flavour. Tastes a lot like Sweet Basil so partners well with similar strong flavoured herbs.

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Japanese emperor mint is a wonderful culinary herb, with a delicate flavour that goes particularly well in salads. It has a strong flavour and is very hardy, happily surviving frosts.

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aka Mint Vietnamese or Cambodian mint or laksa leaf

Also known as Vietnamese coriander, Cambodian mint and laksa leaf this has to be my favourite Asian herb. This perennial, which has striking pointed leaves, lime green in colour with dark inner markings. With purple stems the whole plant has a wonderfully strong citrus aroma with a taste to match.

Native to peninsular South-East Asia

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Mentha arvensis is a species of mint with a circumboreal distribution. It is native to the temperate regions of Europe and western and central Asia, east to the Himalaya and eastern Siberia, and North America.

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aka Mountain Flax

Native. A smaller red foliage variety of mountain flax. Gracefully drooping long bronze leaves and in spring long flower spikes, loved by native birds. An all purpose plant adds colour and texture to your garden. Thrives in wet or dry soils, tolerates sunny, shady and exposed areas. Evergreen

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aka Flax

Native. The term 'tenax' means strong and tough and this NZ Flax certainly is all of that. Broad swords of purplish foliage form strong clumps that are perfect for mass planting along stream banks, around ponds or naturalizing in the landscape. Tolerant of just about anything. Evergreen.

The summer flowers are much loved by birds especially the native Tui whose beak is perfectly formed to gather nectar from the blooms.

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aka New Zealand Daphne

Native. A terrific little ground cover with clusters of dainty, fragrant, white flowers that appear from winter through to spring and occasionally at other times of the year. Neat and tidy small grey leaves that form a spreading mat. Quite tough and hardy, responds to trimming. Evergreen. PVR.

Pimelea look lovely cascading over a wall or bank. They can be trimmed lightly after flowering to encourage new growth. This plant would even look good in a hanging basket.

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aka Lambs Ears

Senecio Bella Grigio.... such a fancy name for Lambs ears but this is not just any lambs ear but a gorgeous lambs ear. Slim, tapered silvery leaves to about 50 cm tall culminating in spires covered in pink florets. Put this one on your must have list, we have. Perennial

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aka Carpet or Creeping Thyme

This is the perfect Thyme to use as a tough aromatic ground-cover. Little dark green leaves and tiny crimson pink flowers in summer. Hardy and easy to grow. Benefits from a light trim every now and then. Evergreen.